Associate Professor or DTU Tenure Track Assistant Professor in AI-Driven Synthetic Biology and Biochemical Engineering

DTU Chemical and Biochemical Engineering (KT) invites applications for a position as Assistant or Associate Professor from outstanding candidates working at the interface of synthetic biology, biochemical engineering, metabolic engineering, and artificial intelligence.

The position aims to strengthen KT's research in the engineering of biological systems and the development of new biological functions, molecules, and technologies. We seek candidates who combine fundamental understanding of biological and biochemical systems with quantitative, computational, and engineering approaches to design and construct biological systems with capabilities beyond those found in nature.

Particular interest is placed on research integrating experimental and computational approaches, including artificial intelligence and machine learning, with areas such as enzyme discovery and engineering, metabolic pathway design, genetic-code engineering, protein engineering, and the biosynthesis or biological incorporation of noncanonical molecules.

The successful candidate will establish an internationally leading research program and contribute to the development of interdisciplinary collaborations across biological, chemical, computational, and engineering sciences at DTU.

Responsibilities and qualifications

You are expected to:

• Establish and lead an independent, internationally visible research program in synthetic biology and biochemical engineering.
• Develop new approaches for the discovery, design, and engineering of enzymes, metabolic pathways, proteins, and biological systems.
• Integrate computational methods, including artificial intelligence and machine learning, with experimental biological and biochemical engineering.
• Advance technologies for expanding biological and chemical diversity, including the biosynthesis, incorporation, or utilization of noncanonical metabolites, amino acids, or other biomolecules.
• Develop engineered biological systems with applications in biotechnology, biomanufacturing, therapeutics, sustainability, or other areas of societal relevance.
• Establish interdisciplinary collaborations across chemical engineering, biotechnology, chemistry, computational science, and related disciplines.
• Contribute to external funding activities through national, European, and international research programs.
• Participate in teaching and supervision across relevant BSc, MSc, and PhD programs.
• Supervise and mentor PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, and junior scientists and contribute actively to the collaborative research environment at KT.
• Where relevant, contribute to translation and innovation arising from fundamental research, including technology development, intellectual property, industrial collaboration, and entrepreneurship.

For appointment at the Associate Professor level, candidates should additionally demonstrate academic qualifications equivalent to those obtained through an assistant professorship, including evidence of research independence, scientific leadership, teaching and supervision.

You can demonstrate:

• A PhD in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Biotechnology, Synthetic Biology, Bioengineering, Computational Biology, or a closely related discipline.
• A strong track record, or clear potential to develop a strong track record, of internationally recognized research.
• Research experience in one or more areas including:
  • Synthetic biology
  • Metabolic engineering
  • Enzyme discovery or engineering
  • Protein engineering
  • Genetic-code engineering
  • Noncanonical amino acids or biomolecules
  • Computational biology
  • Artificial intelligence or machine learning applied to biological systems
  • Biochemical or bioprocess engineering
• Experience combining experimental and computational approaches, or a demonstrated ability to establish collaborations connecting these areas.
• Ability to formulate ambitious research questions and develop new technological or conceptual approaches to address them.
• Potential to attract competitive external research funding and build an independent research group.
• Commitment to interdisciplinary and collaborative research.
• Strong communication, mentoring, and leadership skills.

Application procedure

Please submit your online application no later than9 September 2026 (23:59 Danish time).

To view the full announcement and to apply click the 'Apply' button